User:Mr. Ibrahem/Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an abnormal increase in Langerhans immune cells from the bone marrow, which than migrate to the skin and other organs. They can form a type of tumor, known as a granuloma. Symptoms may include lesions in various tissues such as skin or bone, fever, weight loss, diabetes insipidus, or tiredness.

LCH is due to a mutation in the MAPKinase pathway. It is part of a group of syndromes called histiocytoses, which are characterized by an increased number of histiocytes (an old term for dendritic cells). Diagnosis is confirmed by medical imaging and biopsy. Blood tests may show low red blood cells, and occasionally low white blood cells and low platelets. Many consider it a form of cancer, but there is still some disagreement.

Mild cases may simple resolve on their own without treatment. Otherwise treatment options may include some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. LCH affects about 1 to 2 people per 100,000. Most cases start in childhood; though adults may also be affected. Males are more commonly affected than females. Hispanic people are more commonly affected.

Evidence of the disease has been found in mummy dating back to 900-790. B.C. LCH was previously known as "histiocytosis X". Subtype include chronic multifocal LCH, previously known as "Hand–Schüller–Christian disease", unifocal LCH, previously known as "eosinophilic granuloma", multifocal multisystem LCH, previously known as "Letterer-Siwe disease", and Hashimoto-Pritzker disease.